GB2106072A - Apparatus for transferring a load to or from a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for transferring a load to or from a vehicle comprises a travelling crane gantry mounted on a platform vehicle by a supporting column on which the gantry can be releasably engaged, lifted, lowered and turned, the gantry also being provided with telescopic legs so that it can be supported on the ground on either side of its carrying vehicle which can then be moved away to leave the gantry available for handling loads to or from other vehicles. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Apparatus for transferring a load to or from a vehicle This invention relates to apparatus for transferring a load to or from a vehicle.

The continuing world-wise increase in container traffic imposes on every community the responsibilits to provide the means of loading, unloading and transporting containers in the most efficient manner possible.

Conventional container handling terminals, whilst providing the most efficient handling method, are only viable in situations of high volume at a fixed point. The volume required to justify installations of this type can only be justified when at least some of the traffic has been developed.

The present invention provides apparatus of low investment cost and a flexible and efficient solution for the development of low and medium traffic in areas where the loads begin and terminate, and where- in most cases - container handling facilities do not exist.

According to the invention, apparatus for transferring a load to or from a vehicle comprises: a) a travelling crane gantry with telescopic legs, b) a platform vehicle on which is mounted c) a supporting column with means for releasably engaging, lifting and lowering, and turning the gantry about the axis of the column, d) power-generating means on the gantry for operating the crane and the telescopic legs, and e) power-operating means for the supporting column, the arrangement being such that the gantry can be carried by the supporting pillar on the vehicle, can be adjusted in height and turned as necessary for its telescopic legs to be lowered to support the gantry on the ground on either side of and independently from the vehicle so that the vehicle and supporting column can be moved away to leave the crane gantry free-standing to handle loads within its span and capacity.

The equipment comprises a side traverse horizontal movement gantry, fitted with telescopic support legs, and large spreader feet, enabling it to adapt to the majority of terrains adjacent to rail tracks or on or adjacent to roads.

The capacity of the crane should cover the side transfer of loaded 20-foot long containers of maximum 25,000 Kg gross weight, or indivisibles of similar weight and size, from road to rail, rail to road vehicles, or from vehicles to the ground, at operating speeds compatible with low and medium volume throughput.

The facility provided by the apparatus of the present invention enables the complete equipment after use to be quickly loaded onto a rail or road truck on completion of its task, and moved to the next operating location.

The gantry having an in-built generator makes it independent of outside support.

An example of the apparatus and its operating sequence is shown in the accompanying drawings and described below with reference thereto.

The following description refers to the corresponding figures of the drawings.

Figure 1: Operationally the Crane Gantry Unit travels from point to point on a road or rail vehicle.

The space required is 9'0" high x 8'0"wide x 30'0" long, for example.

Figure 2: To prepare the unit for operation, the supporting column is first raised to the full height of change mechanism, the telescopic legs being set free to fall by gravity in the process of lifting.

Figure 3: Once the gantry is clear of the carrying vehicle, it is rotated by hydraulic power until it is at right angles to the line of travel of the vehicle ....

Figure 4: .... and it is then lowered until the four legs land on the ground.

Figure 5: Adjustments are made, if necessary, to the telescopic leg heights until the gantry is level ....

Figure 6: .... on completion of which, the lift mechanism is disconnected ....

Figure 7: .... and the carrying vehicle departs leaving the unit ready for operation.

Figure 8: The unit comprises a rugged single beam horizontal gantry transfer structure with end frame supports, equipped with telescopic legs; each leg having incremental lock-off positions to allow height adjustment for levelling.

The lifting and carrying supporting column is arranged with a base compatibie to carrying platforms on both road and rail vehicles, together with retaining fittings to suit individual rolling stock. The platform vehicle may have outrigger legs for stability.

For travelling and storage, the lifting unit locates on the beam in an off-set position to enable correct off-set placing of the crane to be achieved in relation to the track line by a simple rotation.

To achieve neutral balance at the point of rotation, counter-balance is arranged by placing all ancillar ies,togetherwith additional weighting, at the short end of the frame. The generator and control gear form part of this weight.

Location on the beam ensures correct placing and retention during travel and rotation.

Figure 9: The equipment may be provided equally well on a rail vehicle.

Figure 10: Operationally, two set width power lift and cross travel electric lift blocks are mounted on the horizontal traverse beam of the gantry, each being equipped with chain slings and ISO connection fittings to lift the containers up from one vehicle and transfer them to the next or onto the ground.

The transfer operation, as indicated by the arrow, normally occupies five minutes.

The diesel generator on the right side of the gantry frame provides power forthe total operation.

The pendant control is duplicated to provide control access on both sides.

Figure 11: The ability to adjust the telescopic post to maintain horizontal running of the crane is illustrated.

The scaled-out layout indicates the operating clearances.

1. Apparatusfortransferring a load to or from a

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (2)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Apparatus for transferring a load to or from a vehicle This invention relates to apparatus for transferring a load to or from a vehicle. The continuing world-wise increase in container traffic imposes on every community the responsibilits to provide the means of loading, unloading and transporting containers in the most efficient manner possible. Conventional container handling terminals, whilst providing the most efficient handling method, are only viable in situations of high volume at a fixed point. The volume required to justify installations of this type can only be justified when at least some of the traffic has been developed. The present invention provides apparatus of low investment cost and a flexible and efficient solution for the development of low and medium traffic in areas where the loads begin and terminate, and where- in most cases - container handling facilities do not exist. According to the invention, apparatus for transferring a load to or from a vehicle comprises: a) a travelling crane gantry with telescopic legs, b) a platform vehicle on which is mounted c) a supporting column with means for releasably engaging, lifting and lowering, and turning the gantry about the axis of the column, d) power-generating means on the gantry for operating the crane and the telescopic legs, and e) power-operating means for the supporting column, the arrangement being such that the gantry can be carried by the supporting pillar on the vehicle, can be adjusted in height and turned as necessary for its telescopic legs to be lowered to support the gantry on the ground on either side of and independently from the vehicle so that the vehicle and supporting column can be moved away to leave the crane gantry free-standing to handle loads within its span and capacity. The equipment comprises a side traverse horizontal movement gantry, fitted with telescopic support legs, and large spreader feet, enabling it to adapt to the majority of terrains adjacent to rail tracks or on or adjacent to roads. The capacity of the crane should cover the side transfer of loaded 20-foot long containers of maximum 25,000 Kg gross weight, or indivisibles of similar weight and size, from road to rail, rail to road vehicles, or from vehicles to the ground, at operating speeds compatible with low and medium volume throughput. The facility provided by the apparatus of the present invention enables the complete equipment after use to be quickly loaded onto a rail or road truck on completion of its task, and moved to the next operating location. The gantry having an in-built generator makes it independent of outside support. An example of the apparatus and its operating sequence is shown in the accompanying drawings and described below with reference thereto. The following description refers to the corresponding figures of the drawings. Figure 1: Operationally the Crane Gantry Unit travels from point to point on a road or rail vehicle. The space required is 9'0" high x 8'0"wide x 30'0" long, for example. Figure 2: To prepare the unit for operation, the supporting column is first raised to the full height of change mechanism, the telescopic legs being set free to fall by gravity in the process of lifting. Figure 3: Once the gantry is clear of the carrying vehicle, it is rotated by hydraulic power until it is at right angles to the line of travel of the vehicle .... Figure 4: .... and it is then lowered until the four legs land on the ground. Figure 5: Adjustments are made, if necessary, to the telescopic leg heights until the gantry is level .... Figure 6: .... on completion of which, the lift mechanism is disconnected .... Figure 7: .... and the carrying vehicle departs leaving the unit ready for operation. Figure 8: The unit comprises a rugged single beam horizontal gantry transfer structure with end frame supports, equipped with telescopic legs; each leg having incremental lock-off positions to allow height adjustment for levelling. The lifting and carrying supporting column is arranged with a base compatibie to carrying platforms on both road and rail vehicles, together with retaining fittings to suit individual rolling stock. The platform vehicle may have outrigger legs for stability. For travelling and storage, the lifting unit locates on the beam in an off-set position to enable correct off-set placing of the crane to be achieved in relation to the track line by a simple rotation. To achieve neutral balance at the point of rotation, counter-balance is arranged by placing all ancillar ies,togetherwith additional weighting, at the short end of the frame. The generator and control gear form part of this weight. Location on the beam ensures correct placing and retention during travel and rotation. Figure 9: The equipment may be provided equally well on a rail vehicle. Figure 10: Operationally, two set width power lift and cross travel electric lift blocks are mounted on the horizontal traverse beam of the gantry, each being equipped with chain slings and ISO connection fittings to lift the containers up from one vehicle and transfer them to the next or onto the ground. The transfer operation, as indicated by the arrow, normally occupies five minutes. The diesel generator on the right side of the gantry frame provides power forthe total operation. The pendant control is duplicated to provide control access on both sides. Figure 11: The ability to adjust the telescopic post to maintain horizontal running of the crane is illustrated. The scaled-out layout indicates the operating clearances. CLAIMS

1. Apparatusfortransferring a load to or from a vehicle comprising: a) a travelling crane gantry with telescopic legs, b) a platform vehicle,

c) a supporting column mounted on the platform vehicle and having means for releasably engaging, lifting and lowering and turning the gantry about the axis of the column, d) power-generating means for operating the crane, telescopic legs and supporting column, the arrangement being such that the gantry can be carried by the supporting pillar on the vehicle, can be adjusted in height and turned as necessary for its telescopic legs to be lowered to support the gantry on the ground on either side of and independently from the vehicle so that the vehicle and supporting column can be moved away to leave the crane gantry free-standing to handle loads within its span and capacity.

2. Apparatus for transferring a load to or from a vehicle substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.